By Jim Rizza Since the birth of the Akkadian oud in ancient Syria over 4,000 years ago, the quest for musical Nirvana using vibrating strings stretched over fingerboards and wooden resonating chambers has been a passion for some. The very few who have succeeded in this quest have been blessed with extraordinary feel, creativity and […]
Perhaps one of the most unlikely guitar heroes to come from England since his hero, the great Hank Marvin, Mark Knopfler, has pitched a career of composition, virtuosity, and collaboration that any artist would covet. From a guitarist’s standpoint, his style is unusual and truly unique. He admits to holding the guitar “like a blacksmith […]
By Stuart Day The Galloup School of Lutherie is where I found myself as a student in 2006. Two log cabins in the woods, far from the town of Big Rapids, Michigan, is where seven other wannabe guitar makers and I stayed as we studied. There was no television, no radio, no Internet, and hardly […]
By Andrew Scott lu·thi·er | \ ˈlü-tē-ər , -thē-ər \Definition of luthier: : one who makes stringed musical instruments (such as violins or guitars) Lutherie isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s not an easy job with a steady time clock. It isn’t easy on our family, friends, wallet, health or love life. I would bet most […]
By Aaron Ginsburg When thinking back on the great musical innovators of the 20th century, no one can ignore the profound influence that David Bowie had on the genre of rock and roll, and the broader arena of popular music. It’s been nearly six years since his sudden death, and his devastating demise after an […]
By David Barret Editors note: In 2015 Alex Lifeson was working on a number of projects and we were lucky enough to get access to the Canadian Rush legend via his friend and colleague David Barrett. Today this interview is still relevant and we feel it’s important to republish it. Guitar Connoisseur: When I think […]
By Allison Kugel The first thing I noticed when I sat down with Jewel was her beautifully sculpted cheekbones and trademark smile, but I was instantly redirected toward her glow; a warm and welcoming glow emanating from that same place where, no doubt, her poetic music and lyrics originate. I wanted to learn more. It […]
When I was putting a Van Halen tape in and listening to it for the first time, I was blown away. My first exposure to Eddie Van Halen was Eruption. The son of Dutch Immigrants was about to take the world by storm. A small handful of players in rock history have dramatically changed people’s […]
By Aman Khosla Republished from our Holy Grail Issue Steve Vai – almost every guitar player knows that name. Vai has been a major icon and most certainly a household name in the guitar world for over three decades and counting in a league of his own. Nine studio albums, Eight live albums, several special […]
By Steve Rider Who has never heard of Prince? Indeed, no one knew that his sudden and unexpected passing shocked the world on April 21, 2016. He was just 57 years old. It has been said for ages that an artist is never fully appreciated during their lifetime, and it certainly seems that this will […]
